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4 Stats You Didn't Know About Women and Depression

Ever find yourself feeling anxious or down in the dumps? That?s normal, but there is a difference between a bad day and a clinical condition. Check out our eye-opening stats on anxiety and depression in women, from a survey by SELF and Discovery Health.

One in three

One in three women will suffer from anxiety and one in five will have clinical depression. One in five will have clinical depression. If you?re feeling down, try these 6 everyday remedies (from getting more sleep to spending time outdoors with a friend) to raise your spirits without meds. You'll be amazed by how much your mood improves!

In fact, exercise may be as effective at relieving mild to moderate depression as the antidepressant Zoloft, reveals a study from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. "Physical activity stimulates the feel-good chemical dopamine, which increases our sense of well-being," explains Stephen Ilardi, Ph.D., author of The Depression Cure (Da Capo Press).

Twice As Many Women Are Affected

Nearly twice as many women as men are affected by a depressive or an anxiety disorder.

If you?re a new mom, pay closer attention to your emotions. Studies show, in fact, that postpartum depression can manifest itself up to a year later. If you feel anxious, sad, withdrawn, etc., don't blame it on lack or sleep or simply making the transition into mommy-hood. This isn't sorority rush?there isn't a requisite initiation. Get to a doctor ASAP. Also, some women become unhappy with the birth experience itself. See how one woman is fighting for more control during childbirth the second time around.

Rise in Self Treatment

Forty percent of women think they can treat their anxiety and depression on their own. While anxiety and depression are clinical conditions that require professional help, there are things you can do to break out of a mild funk. One is getting a better night?s sleep. According to a study from the University of North Texas in Denton, insomniacs have a fivefold risk of developing depression compared with those who are well rested. Check out SELF?s Good-Sleep Guide for smart snoozing strategies.

Increased Therapy Referrals

There was a 15 percent increase in requests for a referral to a therapist from 2008 to 2009. Thinking about seeing a shrink? You're not alone— 32 percent of women have talked to a counselor about feeling sad or stressed. It's not an instant cure though— it takes approximately three hours in therapy to begin relieving depression or anxiety.

Not sure about the best type of therapy for you? This cheat sheet can help you understand the various talking cures and find an approach that jibes with your needs.